Gendered Violence Conference: Restoring what has been bent
The President offers this pastoral reflection following The Wesley Centre Theology and Culture Conference on the topic of Gendered Violence
March 20, 2026
By Rev Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia
Last month, I attended the Gendered Violence Conference hosted by Rev Associate Professor Robyn Whitaker, Director at The Wesley Centre, in partnership with Pilgrim Theological College.
The gathering brought together theologians, clergy, counsellors and survivors. It was not an easy space. It was honest. It was courageous. I left carrying stories that I will not forget – stories of faith that endured even when systems failed.
We anchored our conversations in Luke 13, where Jesus meets the woman who has been bent over for 18 years. He sees her. He calls her forward. He names her “daughter of Abraham”. And he restores her dignity publicly.
He does not ask her to prove her faith. He does not question her endurance. He confronts the system that kept her bound.
That image stayed with me.
Naming the Reality
In Australia, one in four women has experienced violence from an intimate partner. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are disproportionately impacted. Many migrants and culturally diverse women face additional barriers to speaking up.
Domestic and family violence exists in every community. Including ours. As a Church, we have named this reality for decades. We have strengthened Safe Church practices, supported national strategies to end violence, and resourced leaders responding to disclosures.
These commitments matter. But theology also shapes culture. What we preach, how we interpret Scripture, and what we remain silent about all shape our communities.
“Across the life of our church, we are seeking to be communities of safety, accountability and deep discipleship.”
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What I Shared
During a panel on forgiveness, I offered three simple lines:
- Forgiveness belongs to the wounded.
- Accountability belongs to the one who caused harm.
- Justice belongs to the whole community.
When these roles are confused, forgiveness becomes coercion.
From a Pacific and Māori perspective, I spoke about how forgiveness can be framed as spiritual maturity or loyalty. In honour and shame cultures, where communal harmony is central to identity and belonging, and some topics remain taboo, that framing can silence survivors.
Forgiveness cannot be demanded. It cannot be timed by others.
Accountability must be real and visible. Repentance must bear fruit.
And justice cannot be outsourced to those who have already been harmed.
Jesus restores the bent-over woman’s dignity before anything else. Restoring dignity – restoring mana – is gospel work.
This Lenten Invitation
In this Lenten season, we are invited to resist quick answers.
Lent calls us to tell the truth. To examine where we have prioritised harmony over safety. To ask whether our theology protects the vulnerable.
Across the life of our church, we are seeking to be communities of safety, accountability and deep discipleship. That commitment is part of our shared strategic direction. It is part of what it means to weave Christ’s love across cultures and boundaries.
Love cannot be woven through silence.
If we speak of flourishing faith communities, they must be safe communities.
If we speak of reconciliation, it must include accountability.
If we speak of resurrection hope, we must first be willing to name what has been bent.
Prayer for Our Church
May we be a Church that sees clearly.
May we create spaces where truth can be spoken safely.
May we have the courage to pursue accountability with integrity.
And may we follow Christ,
who does not ignore what crushes people,
but restores them to dignity.
Amen
Following the Conference, President Rev Charissa Suli spoke with ABC Radio on churches’ role in confronting gendered violence and promoting safety, dignity and compassion. Click here to listen to the full Soul Search interview.
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